Herbs for Detox

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Herbs . for Detox

by Meg McGowan

Conscious Choice, January 2001

http://www.consciouschoice.com/herbs/herbs1401.html

 

The buildup of toxins in our bodies over the course of years often

results in degenerative diseases. Just as emotional traumas that

have been buried for years tend to surface in midlife, asking that

we examine and change our learned behavior, so too do physical

symptoms surface to reveal the need for change in how we care for

our bodies. In either case, if we ignore the signals that something

is amiss, that something requires our attention, we do so at our own

peril. Denying pain inevitably leads to more profound pain.

Unexamined fears eventually assume monstrous proportions. Clinging

to habits that do not support growth and life bind us instead to

stagnation and death.

 

Clearing accumulated toxins is believed to free the body from undue

burden so that it is able to function better and regain the energy

necessary to heal itself. Though fasting and cleansing may be one

step, detoxification is not a single event but an ongoing process

that supports the body's natural ability to effectively dispel

toxins on a daily basis. Part of that process is consciously

limiting the toxins that enter the body in the first place.

Restricting or eliminating use of the usual culprits -- caffeine,

refined sugar, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, synthetic or petroleum-based

body products, and household chemicals -- is a good place to start.

 

(Fasting, if chosen, will be less of an effort if symptoms of

withdrawal from caffeine, sugar or cigarettes are not part of the

experience.) Eating an organic natural-foods diet, drinking

sufficient amounts of pure water, and getting regular exercise are

actions that begin to facilitate detoxification. Our bodies adjust

best to gradual change, so incorporating these practices into

everyday life is recommended before embarking on a more stringent

course for flushing toxins out of your system.

 

The theory behind fasting suggests that it is normal within the

course of life for all animals to experience periods when food is

scarce, and that we, as animals, are designed not only to endure

such circumstances but to benefit from them. It is also known that

animals, when ill, will refuse food.

 

When the organs of the body are not engaged in the energy-intensive

process of digestion, they are able to direct their energy toward

healing. For humans, supplemental cleansing practices include

laxatives, colonics, saunas, steaming, skin brushing, exercise,

massage, mineral baths, and body wraps. Herbs can help to move

toxins out of the body. They can also support and tone the major

organs of the body as they perform their cleansing functions,

helping them to handle a higher than normal load of waste.

 

Psyllium husks and seeds (Plantago indica, P. ovata and P. psyllium)

are high in fiber and can act as a gentle natural laxative. (The

seeds should be soaked in water before using.) Its benefits,

however, go beyond a single action, as psyllium is adaptogenic,

generally supporting of healthy bowel function and useful in

treating conditions from diarrhea to irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Psyllium is a particularly good choice for detoxification, as the

gelatinous substance produced through soaking attracts and absorbs

toxins. Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) can be used as a natural

laxative as well, alone or in conjunction with psyllium.

 

It is safe for long-term use and strengthens the muscles of the

colon. Alder buckthorn (R. frangula syn. Frangula alnus) can also be

used. The bark of the plant is used, but it must be dried and stored

for a year as the action of the fresh bark is so strong it is

considered toxic.

 

Keeping the kidneys free from obstructions and in good working order

is essential to the process of effectively eliminating toxins.

Hydrangea root (Hydrange arborescens) and gravel root or Joe pye

weed (Eupatorium purpureum) can help to prevent, dissolve, and expel

crystals and stones in the kidneys and bladder. Both herbs

contribute to the overall health of the urinary system.

 

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) strengthen and detoxify the

kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. While juniper is excellent for

cleansing purposes, long-term use is not recommended as it can

overtax the kidneys. It is also not recommended for use by those

with kidney disease or infection.

 

Nettle (Urtica dioica) has detoxifying properties that extend beyond

the urinary system, but its diuretic action makes it particularly

effective in this area.

 

Overuse of nettle is not a concern as with juniper. Though the

nettle root has the primary diuretic properties, all parts of the

plant facilitate cleansing. Burdock root and seed (Arctium lappa) is

similar to nettle in its cleansing and mild diuretic actions, but it

is stronger in its effect. Accumulations of heavy metals within the

body can be diminished with the aid of burdock.

 

The liver is the body's foremost organ for detoxification. Milk

thistle (Carduus marianus syn. Silybum marianum) and dandelion root

(Taraxacum officinale) help to cleanse and strengthen the liver.

 

Milk thistle contains silymarin, which not only protects the liver,

but actually helps it to regenerate itself. Dandelion root has a

cleansing action that helps to remove waste from the liver and

gallbladder. It works on the kidneys as well, and is a good choice

for using in conjunction with burdock root as well as milk thistle.

 

One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to remove waste

products from the cells. If the lymphatic system is not working to

its capacity, toxic buildup is inevitable. Cellulite is often a

symptom of inadequate lymphatic drainage. Exercise and skin brushing

help to stimulate healthy lymph flow. Massage is also helpful.

 

Areas affected by cellulite can be helped with topical application

of essential oils. Basil (Ocimum basilicum), celery (Apium

graveolens), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), fennel (Foeniculum

vulgare), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), juniper berry, lemon (Citrus

limon), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), rosemary (Rosmarinus

officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgarus) are some of the most

effective essential oils for drawing toxins out from under the skin

and stimulating lymphatic circulation. Try blending three to five

different oils, for a total of fifteen to twenty drops, in one ounce

of carrier oil. Observe the aforementioned cautions for using

juniper berry, and be aware that thyme oil can be irritating to the

skin and should be used sparingly.

 

The language of detoxification often suggests an attitude of

deprivation, restriction, and penance -- as if fasting and cleansing

are the price to be paid for poor choices, whether we made them

years ago or days ago. That attitude conjures images of a strict

parent demanding that we be responsible for taking care of what we

have been given. Perhaps that model will spur us to compliance in

caring for our physical bodies, but it does not encourage mental and

emotional health. Truly caring for the self feels like nurturing,

not like deprivation or punishment. Small changes that feel like

indulgences: long silent walks, a regular massage, and/or access to

a steam room or sauna may provide a point at which caring for your

physical self is a positive experience for your whole self. Begin

there. Other shifts will occur.

 

Dramatic actions may be chosen in cases of a health crisis, but

overall, moderate rituals that are comfortable and supportive are

likely to be more beneficial than a strict schedule of inflexible

rules. The connection of mind and body will not allow us to be

physically healthy at the cost of our peace of mind or sense of joy.